A PENSIONER with dementia has been found in woodland almost a week after going missing.

William John Williams, 70, went missing from his home in Penygraig, Rhondda, last Friday at around 1pm.

Police yesterday revealed he had been found on Thursday evening in a wooded area near Church Crescent, Coedkernew, Newport, by a Gwent Police dog searching unit.

Mr Williams was taken by ambulance to the Royal Gwent Hospital where his condition was initially described as poorly but is now stable and non life-threatening.

Superintendent Simon Clarke, deputy divisional commander for Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff Police, said: “We have had a team of officers working on this and we are all thrilled we have been able to reunite Mr Williams with his family.

“We would not have found him if it hadn’t been for the assistance of the media and public, and the efforts of Gwent Police. I wish to thank all members of the public who contacted us with invaluable information and led us to find Mr Williams.”

Mr Williams, who has dementia and slurred speech, had not been seen by family or friends since leaving home last week.